CRC SURG OVARI CANC PDF

Preface

Ovarian cancer is a significant cause of gynecologic cancer–related morbidity and mortality and represents one of the most pressing problems in women's health care today. Perhaps more than any other gynecologic malignancy, effective treatment of ovarian cancer requires an integrative model of multidisciplinary care that includes gynecologic oncologists, medical and surgical oncologists, pathologists, oncology nurses, psychologists, and basic scientists among others. Recent advances in the understanding of the molecular biology of ovarian cancer, diagnostic techniques, new chemotherapeutic agents, and novel treatment strategies have contributed to an improved overall outcome for women with ovarian cancer. Nevertheless, complete and effective surgical intervention stands as the cornerstone of ovarian cancer diagnosis and treatment. The introduction of new and innovative surgical techniques and management paradigms has required the timely revision of Surgery for Ovarian Cancer: Principles and Practice. The second edition has been updated by a field of world-renowned gynecologic cancer surgeons, and it reflects the continued evolution of the science and application of surgery for the management of patients with ovarian cancer.

Although formal fellowship training in gynecologic oncology is the preferred method of learning surgery for ovarian cancer, many must acquire such expertise under less favorable circumstances. Admittedly, postgraduate training can only provide the foundation on which proficient ovarian cancer surgical skills are then developed through continued experience and self-instruction. Although multiple surgical texts and atlases have addressed the complexities of gynecologic and pelvic cancer surgery as a general topic, no single work has been devoted exclusively to the rational and effective operative management of ovarian cancer. The authors have attempted to fill this void with the second edition of this volume, which presents the many facets of ovarian cancer surgery in a format that emphasizes the practical applicability of important procedures. The basic topics of ovarian cancer epidemiology and preoperative preparation are covered initially, followed by a section addressing the operative management of early-stage disease. The majority of the text, however, is devoted to the technical aspects of cytoreductive surgery, since this is where we perceive that the greatest need for extended training exists. The cytoreductive surgery chapters are divided according to anatomic regions and include the relevant anatomical considerations, the surgical challenges specific to each region, and the operative approaches and techniques favored by the authors. Chapters on minimally invasive surgery, surgical issues related to intraperitoneal chemotherapy, secondary cytoreduction, and palliative surgery follow. The final section discusses the unique postoperative care issues common to ovarian cancer surgical patients.

This text is intended for all clinicians caring for women with ovarian cancer, including attending surgeons, fellows, and residents in the disciplines of gynecologic oncology, pelvic surgery, surgical oncology, and general surgery. Ultimately, the optimal surgical management of ovarian cancer is dependent on multiple factors including the age and general medical condition of the patient, the extent and biological aggressiveness of disease, available access to an appropriately skilled multidisciplinary care team, and the preparedness of the surgeon to put forth the maximum operative effort. This text was conceived and prepared with this latter factor in mind.